This paper deals with the architectural design process and the digital tools able to support a creative activity. Evolutionary devices are expected to support the architect in the initial phase of his work in progress and to stimulate his creativity through analogical thinking. An experimental tool is described, this one is using a genetic algorithm to explore the solution space, and it is base...

The paper is focused on a new passive greenhouse architecture, provided with cold water heat pumps, wind generator and solar panels. This greenhouse is independent of any energetic infrastructure (electric, gas, hot water). The sizing of each element and the automate control are critical in order to reduce the costs. A simplified mathematical model, able to assist the design and the automate co...

The significant aim of architecture is to support different human needs especially housing as an essential requirement; well the consideration environmental factors. One issues climatic conditions that have a deep influence on designing create comfortable indoor spaces and durability. Based climate conditions, passive solar energy primary factor decreases consumption inexpensively. Furthermore,...

This paper describes a series of field studies and simulation analysis to improve the thermal performance of school buildings in the city of Tehran in Iran during warm season. The field studies used on-site measurement and questionnaire-based survey in the warm spring season in a typical female secondary school building. The on-site monitoring assessed the indoor air temperatures and relative h...

This paper reports the integrated appraisal method used in the design and deployment of passive solar, wind power and photovoltaic technologies within the Lighthouse building in Glasgow. This Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed building was refurbished to celebrate Glasgow’s selection as UK City of Architecture and Design 1999. The incorporation of renewables was undertaken, as part of EC DGXII'...

The objective of this research is to achieve a high solar fraction in social housing, for which investment costs are strictly limited. Six houses have been built in the east of France: two with active (solar collectors) and four with passive (Trombe walls) solar heating systems. Two types of transparent covers are compared: a capillary structure and a simpler polycarbonate plate. The project wa...

Recently builders have shown considerable interest in combining the features of active and passive solar space heating systems into a hybrid system employing active collection and some form of passive discharge/storage device. Ye examined the performance and economics of a hybrid2 air-based, residential system using 18.5 m of roof-mounted air collectors and a hollow-core slab that discharges di...

This paper presents a simulation study to reduce heating and cooling energy demand of a school building in Seoul Metropolitan Area, Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of passive vs. active approaches on energy savings in buildings using EnergyPlus simulation. By controlling lighting, the energy saving of the original school building design was found most significant, and in...